Families facing hardship are being urged to seek government assistance rather than sending their children to work or live on the streets.
This was the message from Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran, who expressed concern over the rising number of children found selling food parcels, or other items late at night in urban areas.
She also highlighted an increase in children who are now residing on the streets full time.
“If families are struggling, we are here to assist with livelihood options, including setting up income-generating activities,” Ms Kiran said.
“We ask you to reach out to our offices but using children to earn a living is not acceptable and is an offence.”
Over the past few weeks, an inter-agency task force has been actively engaging with children found on the streets.
The ministry, in collaboration with Medical Services Pacific (MSP) and the Salvation Army, has been providing meals, showers, and counselling for the children.
“We have been picking up children … counselling them, and with the support of police officers, taking some home, sometimes as far as Tailevu.
“Parents have been warned about child neglect.”
Despite these efforts, she noted that some children have returned to street life.
In response, the ministry is now preparing to take legal action against parents who fail to prevent their children from returning to unsafe environments.
“Some of the children that have been dropped home have returned to the streets.
“The next step for us is to charge these parents for neglect.”
Ms Kiran issued a further warning to parents who fail to report their children missing.
“If you have not reported your child missing and we find them on the streets, you can be charged for neglect.”